IRELAND - MiTo from Alfa Romeo gets updated and launched, its now the car it should have been all along.

• Alfa Romeo Mito is revised for 2016 with a new look, more technology and a completely revised range of trim levels
• Styling changes include new sports grilles, new alloy wheel designs, enhanced detailing, new upholsteries and improved technologies
• Updated 1.3-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel joins the range with increased output of 95hp and lower emissions of just 89g/km
• New range consists of Mito, Super and Super Sport trim levels with pricing starting at just €18,295 RRP 

The new Alfa Romeo Mito has gone on sale in Ireland priced from €18,295 RRP. Revised for 2016 with a new look to emulate the style and attitude of the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia, with more technology, a revised range and the introduction of the updated 1.3-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel with  increased 95hp output and reduced CO₂ emissions (just 89g/km), the new Alfa Romeo Mito is more enticing and competitive than ever before.

To give the Mito the new Alfa Romeo family feel the styling has been revised with new sports grilles, dark-finish headlamp bezels, revised rear bumper designs and new alloy wheels, as well as new Alfa White paint option.

Inside, all models get new upgraded seat upholsteries, Uconnect Live services and a new finish on the centre console, dashboard and door trims. 

Naturally, the new Alfa Romeo logo features inside and out, while the Mito badge adopts the same script as that of the new Giulia.

The entry-point trim level known simply as Alfa Romeo Mito comes with generous standard equipment including new 16-inch alloy wheels, satin chrome-effect exterior detailing (door handles, grille surrounds, headlamp and tail lamp surrounds), air conditioning, Alfa DNA driving mode selector, a rear spoiler and a Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity.

Engine choices include the 78hp 1.4-litre petrol (€18,295 RRP), 875cc Turbo Petrol TwinAir 105hp (€19,795 RRP) and the 1.3 JTDM-2 95hp (€20,545 RRP)) and key options include the Visibility Pack (auto headlamps and wipers, and electro-chromic rear-view mirror - €250); Comfort Pack (front centre armrest, rear parking sensors and front seat lumbar adjustment - €500); dual-zone climate control (€600); electric sunroof (€1,100); satellite navigation (€900) and an eight-speaker BOSE audio system (€600).

The mid trim is the new Alfa Romeo Mito Super which builds on the standard Mito’s specification by adding cruise control: 17-inch 'Turbine' alloy wheels; Alfa code immobiliser and alarm; front fog lamps; special upholstery with Eco-Leather side bolstering; aluminium sports pedals, footrest and kickplates; chrome effect window sills; space-saver spare wheel and the Comfort Pack as standard. 

Options available on the Super, in addition to those available on the Mito, include sports leather upholstery (€1,250) and an 18-inch alloy wheel upgrade (€600). 

The engines offered in Super specification include the 875cc Turbo Petrol TwinAir 105hp (€21,095 RRP) and the 1.3 JTDM-2 95hp (€21,845 RRP) and the 1.4 MultiAir 140hp petrol with ALFA TCT transmission and steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles (€23,725 RRP).

The new Alfa Romeo Mito Super Sport, available for just €171 more than the Super trim, offers enhanced specification and even sportier looks available with the 875cc TwinAir 105hp turbo petrol (€21,266 RRP); the 1.3 JTDM-2 95hp diesel engine (€22,016 RRP) or the 1.4 MultiAir 140hp petrol with ALFA TCT transmission (€23,896 RRP).  In addition to the equipment on the Super, the Super Sport adds sports leather upholstery (available in three colour options) with heated front seats; dual-zone air conditioning; 60/40 split folding rear seats; rear privacy glass and red brake callipers. 

Available options include an 18-inch alloy wheel upgrade (€600); Visibility Pack (auto headlamps and wipers, electro-chromic rear-view mirror - €250); electric sunroof (€1,100); satellite navigation (€900) and an eight-speaker BOSE audio system (€600).

The new Alfa Romeo Mito is available to order now from Alfa Romeo showrooms, priced from €18,295.

IRELAND - Fiat launches the Talento Van to compliment their ever increasing & modern range of commercial vehicles.

• All-new Fiat Professional Talento goes on sale in Ireland
• Model to launch market at Fleet Transport Awards
• Wide choice of variants allows buyers to tailor the perfect vehicle Range of efficient diesel engines offer up to 6.1 l/100km
• Emissions as low as 160g/km
• Prices from €18,735 exc VAT and VRT

Fiat Professional will strengthen its offering at the heart of the medium van segment when the versatile and economical all-new Talento goes on sale in Ireland next month.

Designed to offer supreme versatility and choice, the Talento is available in either short or long wheelbase form, a wide variety of body styles and with a choice of powerful and highly efficient state-of-the-art engines.

Behind its compact and stylish exterior lies an impressive all-rounder offering an interior volume of up to 8.6m³ – and enough space to accommodate three Euro pallets even in short wheelbase form – a payload of up to 1,249kg and formidable load pulling power.

Available with a choice of advanced turbo and twin turbo diesel powerplants, Talento can return up to 6.1 l/100km (46.3mpg) on the official combined cycle while CO₂ emissions are reduced to as low as 160g/km.

Talento also features a suite of cutting edge FIAT Professional technology – including EBA (emergency brake assistance) and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) – created to improve the comfort, productivity and safety of those on board. 

The arrival of Talento, which is positioned between the Doblò Cargo and Ducato in the FIAT Professional range, gives the brand one of the most complete van ranges available in Ireland, with a model to suit the specific needs of virtually all end users.

Prices for the all-new Fiat Professional Talento start at just €18,735, excluding VAT and VRT.

Intelligent design

Design has been at the core of Talento’s development from the beginning and the vehicle’s stylish appearance adds to its appeal.

With bold, clear-cut lines and an upright stance, Talento is unmistakably part of the Fiat Professional family. But a number of unique styling cues give it a personality of its own.

At a glance, the model is compact and well-proportioned – the forward-stretching windscreen connecting elegantly to the short bonnet to create an imposing and dynamic front end.  This is further enhanced by the grille which is designed to wrap around the headlights for additional effect and added protection.

The squared-off rear end, meanwhile, helps to maximise the Talento’s carrying capacity and the practicality of the load while giving the van a broad stance that exudes stability and strength.

Wide range of body styles

Flexibility is a core strength of the new Talento, with buyers able to choose from a huge array of options to tailor-make a vehicle that fully meets their needs.

Panel vans are available with a standard or high roof in both long and short wheelbase form while people carriers and crew cabs are also available in long and short wheelbase guise.

Innovative features include the “CargoPlus” storage area under the passenger seats which allows professionals to carry objects up to 3.75m in length (4.15 for LWB versions) by sliding them into a special bulkhead opening.

Rear doors can open up to a wide angle of 255° while the sliding side door has an aperture of 1,030 mm and a load edge just 100mm above the ground. The load volume equals 5.2m³ in short wheelbase models, 6m³ in long wheelbase versions and a generous 8.6m³ in the long wheelbase high-roof derivative. This means that the Talento, even in the short wheelbase trim level, is capable of carrying three Euro pallets and, depending on the version, a payload of up to 1,249 kg with a GVW of up to 3,060kg.

Powerful, efficient and economical engines

Beneath the bonnet, the all-new Talento is available with a choice of reliable, powerful and efficient 1.6-litre turbo and twin-turbo diesel engines, all mated with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

All employ Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, a system which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by injecting a solution of non-toxic, non-flammable AdBlue® into the exhaust gas.

The entry-level 95hp 1.6-litre turbo-diesel is ideally suited to city driving thanks to its high torque output of 260Nm and its excellent official combined cycle fuel efficiency figure of 6.5 l/100km (43.5mpg) and low CO₂emissions of just 170g/km. In EcoJet specification with Start&Stop, this engine can return an outstanding 6.1 l/100km (46.3mpg) on the official combined cycle and CO₂ emissions are further reduced to 160g/km.

The 1.6-litre MultiJet 120hp meanwhile, offers an impressive mix of performance, value-for-money and efficiency, thanks to its 300Nm of torque, official combined cycle fuel efficiency figure of 6.5 l/100km (43.5 mpg) and emissions of just 170g/km.

The 1.6-litre Twin Turbo EcoJet diesel engines employ sophisticated turbo-charging technology to boost both performance and efficiency, resulting in outputs of 125hp and 320Nm of torque and 145hp and 340Nm for the top engine version. The first turbo provides high torque at low speed to ensure excellent engine responsiveness at low-to-medium revs, whereas the second turbo is activated at higher engine speeds to maintain linear performance across the rev range. As a result, there is no efficiency compromises despite the high power and torque outputs – indeed, the 125hp version is actually the most efficient in the range returning 47.9 mpg on the official fuel efficiency combined cycle with emissions of just 155g/km, while the high-performance 145hp engine matches the economy and emissions outputs of the EcoJet 95hp engine: 46.3mpg and 160g/km.

Advanced safety as standard

Safety was a key consideration throughout the development of Talento and as a result all models are equipped with an impressive array safety features.

All versions are fitted with LED daytime running lights, ABS with EBD (electronic brake distribution) and EBA (emergency brake assistance) in addition to a sophisticated ESC system with Hill Holder and Traction+ and a blind spot-mitigating ViewPlus interior mirror as standard.

Buyers can also specify the advanced Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) system which automatically modulates engine power and the braking force applied to each wheel to ensure the stability of both vehicle and trailer.

Other safety options include side airbags and window-bags, a front parking assist system and a reversing camera with a display in the rear-view mirror.

Comfortable and practical cabin

Talento’s cabin is functional, practical and comfortable.

Ergonomically shaped seats, a cleverly designed console and well positioned controls all help to create a relaxing environment.

This clever layout has also created an incredible 90 litres of storage in a variety of shapes and sizes, including compartments hidden under the seat base and behind the seat back of the passenger seats.

Meanwhile, an innovative fold-down central seat features a detachable clipboard holder and optional smartphone/tablet holder.

Standard equipment on the entry level FIAT Professional Talento includes remote central locking, electric front windows (one-touch lowering on the driver’s side), electrically operated and heated door mirrors, a full bulkhead, a height adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and an arm rest, dual passenger seat, a powerful audio system, a full-size spare wheel and steering-wheel remote controls. The entry-level Combi Active adds a rear tailgate with luggage cover, passenger airbag, and folding/removable rear seats.

The SX version adds air conditioning, Mobile Office, ViewPlus, rear parking sensors, full wheel covers, upgraded “Living Brown” interior trim and enhanced exterior detailing, while the SX Combi adds 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, automatic lights and wipers, a leather steering wheel, cruise control with speed limiter, the upgraded audio system with satnav and enhanced exterior and interior detailing.

Orders for FIAT Professional's new Talento will open in Ireland shortly with prices, excluding VAT VRT and dealer related delivery charges, starting at €18,735 for the 1.6-litre MultiJet 95hp SWB standard roof van.

The long-wheelbase FIAT Professional Talento is priced from €20,335 (1.6 MultiJet 120hp), the crew cab starts at €21,145 (1.6 MultiJet 95hp) and the Combi is priced from €24,000 (1.6 MultiJet 95hp)

Nissan collaborates with UK-based design firm Studio Hardie to create the first all-electric e-NV200 WORKSPACe

• Nissan collaborates with UK-based design firm Studio Hardie to create the first all-electric e-NV200 WORKSPACe
• One-off vehicle offers a cost-effective desk space solution as flexible working and hot-desking trends grow worldwide
• All-electric e-NV200 WORKSPACe provides a showcase of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision and the changing relationship between vehicles and people

Nissan has collaborated with UK-based design workshop Studio Hardie to transform its zero-emission e-NV200 van into the world’s first all-electric mobile office – the e-NV200 WORKSPACe.

This professional office environment on wheels features an integrated fold-out desk, touchscreen computer, wireless internet, smartphone-controlled LED lights, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth® audio system, mini fridge and barista-quality coffee machine.

The e-NV200 WORKSPACe concept not only highlights the customisable potential of its electric van, it paints a picture of what desk-based employment could look like in the future as hot-desking and flexible working grows in popularity across the globe. 

Moreover, the one-off vehicle also provides an example of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision, and the company’s view of how the relationship between vehicles and people are changing.

During 2015¹, the number of co-working and hot-desking spaces worldwide increased by 36 percent as small businesses and working professionals looked for increased mobility and a more cost-effective alternative to traditional city-centre office space.

Today, the average UK commuter already spends £358² on travelling to work each month, with London office space fetching £1619³ per square metre annually, and estimated to rise a further 1.4 percent over the next year.

With electric vehicles costing as little as £0.02 per mile⁴ to run, the e-NV200 WORKSPACe offers a cost-effective desk space solution allowing users to work for free in some city-centres that offer free EV charging bays, or escape the city altogether for the countryside or coastal fresh air.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles, Nissan Europe said: “The Nissan e-NV200 is already a smart, sustainable transport solution for forward-thinking businesses, making it the ideal vehicle to be used as the basis for a mobile work place. The e-NV200 WORKSPACe takes the ingenuity of our 100 percent electric van a step further and by enlisting the design expertise of Studio Hardie - renowned for its creative eco approach - the e-NV200 has been reimagined as an innovative, zero-emission working environment.

“With property prices in our capital cities at such a premium and the modern professional needing to be ever more mobile, businesses will need to think smart and consider what the workplace of the future looks like,” he added. “With hot-desking and remote working on the rise, it is not too big a leap to see a future where our vehicles will become connected, energy efficient, mobile workspaces and the e-NV200 WORKSPACe project could become more than just a concept.”

The e-NV200 WORKSPACe can be rapid charged from empty to 80 percent power in just 30 minutes, and for those times when you want to leave the office parked and charging up, there’s an internal mount for a folding Brompton Bike, allowing users to make short trips around the city or complete the ‘last mile’ of any journey.

William Hardie, celebrated UK-based designer and founder of Studio Hardie, said: “We specialise in creating amazing spaces in unexpected places, but we’ve never done anything in an electric vehicle before.

“Given the van’s green credentials we wanted to maximise the space with smart and considered features such as sustainably sourced materials and efficiently-powered technology. We believe the future of technology is a return to quality craftsmanship, so we’ve also looked to hone an environment that professionals will really enjoy working in. All the comfort and connectivity of a modern office, with a few surprising touches thrown in!”

The Nissan e-NV200 is part of Nissan’s popular zero-emission range, combining the best elements of two multi-award winning vehicles – the Nissan Leaf and Nissan NV200. It provides a zero-emission light commercial vehicle solution, offering low vehicle running costs of £2.00 per 100 miles and a range of up to 106 miles on a single charge⁵. This makes it the perfect transportation option for businesses both big and small, as not only does it contribute to reducing a company’s carbon footprint, it is also practical, reliable and cost-effective.

As a pioneer of zero-emission technology, Nissan is dedicated to providing Intelligent Mobility solutions for all and to date, the company has sold more than 250,000 electric vehicles worldwide.

IRELAND - Alfa Romeo launches the Giulia in Ireland with a very tempting start price, and comes with a host of standard kit.

• The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia pricing starts from €39,995
• Built around Alfa Romeo’s all-new rear-wheel drive architecture, with perfect 50/50 weight distribution and distinctive Italian styling
• Euro NCAP Five Star rating – highest ever score for adult occupant protection
• Five trim levels available: Giulia, Super, Super Sport, Super Lux and the range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio
• Four engine versions available mated to ZF® eight-speed automatic gearbox: 2.2 litre JTD diesel with either 150hp or 180hp, 2.0 litre petrol with 200hp and 2.9 litre V6 petrol engine with 510hp
• Range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio capable of 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds

Alfa Romeo Ireland has announced pricing and specification details for the highly anticipated Alfa Romeo Giulia range, with prices starting from €39,995.

Built around Alfa Romeo’s all-new rear-wheel drive architecture, the Giulia features short overhangs, a long bonnet, muscular haunches and the longest wheelbase in its segment. 

Careful management of weights and materials has resulted in perfect 50/50 weight distribution across its axles, while the sophisticated four-arm Alfa™ Link rear suspension (with an Alfa Romeo-patented solution for toe adjustment) and new double-wishbone front set-up have been specifically tuned to maximise its dynamic abilities and enhance driving comfort.

Another debut for the Giulia is a new semi-virtual steering axis which optimises the filtering effect and guarantees rapid, accurate steering by keeping a constant caster trail in corners. Meanwhile, the advanced Alfa™ Torque Vectoring double-clutch rear differential system precisely controls the torque delivery to each rear wheel to improve traction in low grip conditions without having to run up against an invasive stability control system.

To obtain an excellent power-to-weight ratio and outstanding torsional rigidity, the new Giulia utilises an array of high-strength and ultra-lightweight materials including, for example, carbon fibre for the driveshaft, aluminium composite and plastic for the rear crossmember and aluminium for the doors, wings, engines, brakes and suspensions – including the front suspension domes and front and rear sub-frames. The Giulia Quadrifoglio takes this attention to detail a stage further with its carbon fibre bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear spoiler and body inserts.

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia model range features five trim levels – Giulia, Super, Super Sport, Super Lux and the top of the range Quadrifoglio – and is available in 13 different exterior colour options. Drivers can also choose between four engine variants (two petrol and two diesel), all of which are paired to a new ZF® eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Even the entry level ‘Giulia’ includes a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including new efficient active safety systems such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) and pedestrian recognition, Integrated Brake System (IBS), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). All of these advanced features have contributed to the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia being awarded a prestigious Five Star Euro NCAP rating, with 98% protection result for adult occupants, making it the highest score ever achieved by a car,.

The stylish and functional features of the entry level model also include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, a chrome exhaust and aluminium brake calipers. As with all Alfa Romeo vehicles, the interior of the car focuses on driving satisfaction with a new UConnect™ 6.5-inch display infotainment system with rotary pad control, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, Alfa™ D.N.A. rotary driving mode selector, 3.5-inch TFT colour display, rear parking sensors, automatic light/rain sensors, cruise control, and leather steering wheel with controls including ignition start button 

The Giulia trim is available in two engines, a 2.2 litre JTD 150hp diesel and 2.0 litre 200hp turbo petrol, priced at €39,995 and €40,395 respectively.

Stepping up to the Super version,  the specification is enhanced with a wealth of additional interior and exterior features including  an exclusive alloy wheel design, chromed exterior window surrounds and on the 2.2 litre JTD 180hp diesel, dual chrome exhaust tips.

Inside, the Giulia Super features Alfa Romeo’s new UConnect™ 8.8-inch 3D navigation system with integrated maps, split screen function and DAB radio,. There’s also an electro-chromic auto-dimming rear view mirror, a 7-inch TFT display, aluminium door sills as well as leather and cloth seat trims available in three colour options. The engine range comprises the 200hp 2.0 litre turbo petrol, the 2.2 litre JTD 150hp and 2.2 litre JTD 180hp diesel powerplant. Prices for the Super range start at €41,995 for the 2.2 litre JTD 150hp version.

Next in the range are the Giulia Super Sport and Lux trims, also available with a choice of the 200hp 2.0 litre turbo petrol and 2.2 litre JTD diesel engine with an output of either 150hp or 180hp.

Drivers wanting an even sportier presence on the road can upgrade to the Giulia Super Sport. From the outside, enhancements include 18-inch alloy wheels, painted brake calipers, dark tinted privacy glass and distinctive 25W Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRL. Inside, the sporty tone continues with leather seats available in three colour options, a sports leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals, brushed aluminium effect centre console and door moulding inserts, and steering column-mounted gear shift paddles.

For those seeking enhanced comfort, looks and driving pleasure, the Giulia Super Lux is sure to entice as it brings together many of the most popular features available including a rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, power folding exterior mirrors, leather upholstery, 25W Bi-Xenon headlights and 18-inch ‘Luxury’ design alloy wheels.

For a limited time period to celebrate the launch of the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia, both the Super Sport and Super Lux trims are available for an additional €171 over the comparable Super version.

Topping the range is the Giulia Quadrifoglio. Powered by a new 510hp, 600Nm Bi-Turbo V6 petrol engine, with an eight-speed paddle shift automatic transmission as standard, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 307km/h, with low emissions of 189g/km. 

Pricing for Alfa Romeo’s advanced new super saloon will start at €99,945 with an outstanding standard specification including 19-inch Quadrifoglio alloy wheels, a front sports bumper with Alfa™ Active Aero splitter, a sporty rear bumper with functional diffuser and distinctive quad tailpipe sports exhaust system. It also features Alfa™ Active Suspension, Torque Vectoring and D.N.A. Pro selector with race mode, power folding exterior mirrors, 35W Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS technology, front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera with dynamic gridlines.

Interior highlights include Quadrifoglio sports seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, an exclusive Quadrifoglio sports steering wheel with red ignition button, Alfa Romeo’s new UConnect™ 8.8-inch 3D navigation system, dual-zone climate control, automatic light/rain sensors and cruise control with speed limiter.

Orders can now be taken at Alfa Romeo dealerships nationwide with the first models due to arrive in showrooms in November 2016. 

New Alfa Romeo Giulia Price List

Giulia 2.2 Turbo Diesel AT8 150hp	€39,995
Giulia 2.0 Turbo Petrol AT8 200hp	€40,395
Giulia Super 2.2 Turbo Diesel AT8 150hp	€41,995
Giulia Super 2.2 Turbo Diesel AT8 180hp	€43,795
Giulia Super 2.0 Turbo Petrol AT8 200hp	€42,395
Giulia Super Sport 2.2 Turbo Diesel AT8 150hp	€42,166
Giulia Super Sport 2.2 Turbo Diesel AT8 180hp	€43,966
Giulia Super Sport 2.0 Turbo Petrol AT8 200hp	€42,566
Giulia Super Lux 2.2 Turbo Diesel AT8 150hp	€42,166
Giulia Super Lux 2.2 Turbo Diesel AT8 180hp	€43,966
Giulia Super Lux 2.0 Turbo Petrol AT8 200hp	€42,566
Giulia Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo AT8 510hp	€99,945